Quick Fixes for Furnace Problems

Once winter's cold grip has settled over your home, your furnace faces a challenge as it fights off Mother Nature's coldest tricks. You and your family depend on your furnace to keep you safe and warm all winter long. But is your furnace reliable enough to take what nature dishes out? If you find your furnace has taken it on the chin from winter's wrath and needs help, you may be tempted to call for repair of your HVAC in Buckhead. But before you do, take a look at these tips for troubleshooting a faulty furnace and see if they won't help you get it back together for another round with winter.

No Heat

Winter's frosty bite can't feel any worse than it does if you wake up one cold morning and find out there's no heat coming from your furnace. It's possible that your furnace model may be one where a simple solution can be found before thinking the problem is serious. The thermostat is the first thing you should check, since it may simply be that it isn't properly set to run the furnace. Next, take a look at the circuit breaker and reset it if it's tripped. You may also see a reset button on the furnace motor; press that and see if your problem is solved. If your furnace runs on gas, don't forget to check the pilot light.

Too Little Heat

What about when the furnace kicks on only to send out too little heat? That's almost worse than no heat at all! Fortunately, this problem might be an easier fix than having no heat whatsoever. Are you sure your air vents and heat registers aren't blocked? Check those first and remove any obstructions, especially furniture, that may be in the way of the air flow. Be sure that the vents are open, too. Inspect the thermostat, and make sure the temperature is set properly; it could simply be set too low. Take a look at the furnace filter. If you find the filter is dirty, clean it if it's washable, or replace it if it isn't. If that doesn't help, check your HVAC ducts for leaks, and seal any you find with duct tape. Still getting too little heat? It's time to contact your furnace service technician for further help.

No Air

What about if the furnace starts up and no air comes out of the vents at all? Usually this problem lies with the belt connecting the furnace motor and the blower. Over time, this belt can wear and even break. If you feel up to it, you can make this repair yourself. Find the part number stamped on the belt and purchase a replacement belt at your home center. If you'd rather have help, your HVAC technician can take care of the job for you. You may also experience a furnace blower that never shuts off. Make sure the thermostat's fan switch is set to "auto" and not "on." Call your furnace repair service for help if these tips don't work.

On and Off

If you furnace is switching on and off too many times, check your thermostat. If it has a calibration lever, set it a little longer. Consider replacing the thermostat if it's old. Also look at the furnace filter and the blower; if the filter is dirty or the blower is clogged, clean or replace them as needed.

Noises

HVAC ducts often make popping or banging noises when heated air moves through them and makes the cold metal expand. Consider replacing them with insulated ducts if the noise is too bothersome. A worn blower belt may cause squeaking noises, so replace that if necessary. If you hear a grinding noise from the blower motor, turn it off at once and call for maintenance.

Old Age

Everything gets old, and your furnace is no exception. Signs of a furnace that has passed its prime include air that is too dry coming from the vents, rooms that are inconsistently heated, or a sharp increase in your heating bills. Call for an inspection before making a decision; it could be a repair might help your furnace last longer. But if it's older than 15 to 20 years, it's probably best to replace it. You'll find that a newer, more energy-efficient model will save you money on your heating bills and make the purchase more affordable.

It's great to solve furnace issues by yourself and avoid the hassle of a repair call. But if you need more help or would like to have an HVAC inspection, or if you have any questions about your furnace or AC, call your specialists for HVAC in Buckhead today, and get the answers you need.

Source : articlesbase.com